Notes

Regardless of musical ability, people everywhere respond physically to music. Which example below has been one of your responses to some piece of music you've heard?

● tapping your foot

Listening to a peppy piece of music often causes the involuntary reaction of foot tapping. You simply can't sit still, but have to have your foot pat, pat, patting the floor in time with the music!

● swaying to the music

The music is compelling so you start to move, perhaps even getting up. It might be simple side-to-side sway or all-out dancing. Young and old alike are inclined naturally to move to the music.

● humming along

Have you ever found yourself listening to a familiar tune, and before you know it you're humming along? Your brain registers that you know the tune, so you follow the melody with your own voice. This is just one more example of a physical response to music.

● changing facial expressions

If the music happens to be very intense, your face might show the intensity. Your eyebrows lower, your eyes squint, and your mouth turns downward. Your body is responding to what you're hearing.

Where do you find yourself in this list? How have you caught yourself responding physically to music? Physical response to music is natural! You can probably think of several other examples, but these are just a few ways people physically respond to music.